The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

6. Ministry to the poor and the oppressed have a special place in the life of the Church - why? If a congregation fails to do justice and compassion among the poor, what does that neglect say of its ability to give witness to the Kingdom in its location? 7. In what sense does the Bible assure us that the works which Jesus did in demonstrating the Kingdom of God will continue in the life and deeds of the Church? 8. How does the Holy Spirit work in confirming the legitimacy and power of the Word of God through the Church’s ministry today? What should our assurance be that the Holy Spirit will work in Christ’s resurrection power as we go forth into the world with the Gospel? This lesson focuses on the ways that the Church of Jesus Christ serves as the locus (place or context) where the Kingdom of God is expressed and revealed, as well as its agent, the means by which the Kingdom of God is given witness and advanced in the world. Although the Church is not the Kingdom of God per se, it is the primary means by which the Kingdom is manifested. The Kingdom creates the Church, as God has worked sovereignly in the person of Jesus to defeat the powers of the Evil One, but the Church gives witness to the Kingdom in its community and through its ministry. The Church of Jesus Christ is the locus of God’s salvation. Through the Church, the Kingdom’s forgiveness and reconciliation is made known to the world, and offered through its gospel ministry. As custodian of the Word of God, the Church shares the mysteries of God’s love with the lost. The Church is the locus of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the arrabon , the down payment and guarantee of the inheritance which shall be revealed at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Church, as the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place, experiences all the blessings, fruit, and joy associated with the Spirit’s active ministry through the members of the Church.

Summary of Key Concepts

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The Church is the locus of the Kingdom’s life and power. In the midst of the community of believers is experienced the power of answered prayer,